The Côte d’Ivoire national team has secured a spot in the final of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations in a scenario resembling a miraculous comeback, having been on the brink of elimination in the group stage.
Their journey to the final was precarious, as they managed just one win against Guinea-Bissau with a 2-0 scoreline, while suffering defeats against Nigeria (0-1) and Equatorial Guinea (0-4).
Their progression relied on the results of other teams, with Morocco sealing their advancement to the next round as one of the best third-placed teams, following their victory against Zambia.
In their quest for the final, the Ivorian team overcame Senegal, the defending champions, in a penalty shootout during the round of 16.
They then defeated Mali in a thrilling quarter-final encounter with a 2-1 scoreline, before securing their place in the final by overcoming the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Côte d’Ivoire’s victory against the Democratic Republic of Congo, with a narrow 1-0 win, is noteworthy, considering the peculiar journey of both teams in the tournament.
The Democratic Republic of Congo also had an unusual path to the semi-finals, with only one win in the quarter-finals after three draws in the group stage, followed by a draw against Egypt, before losing in a penalty shootout, dashing their dreams against the Elephants.
Côte d’Ivoire Shatters the “Host Nation” Myth
Côte d’Ivoire’s qualification for the final breaks the myth that host nations rarely reach the Africa Cup of Nations final since Egypt’s triumph in 2006.
Since then, no host nation has made it to the final, with the furthest being the semi-finals, such as Equatorial Guinea in 2015 and Cameroon in 2021, both of whom finished in fourth place.
The host nation has reached the final of the Africa Cup of Nations 14 times prior to Côte d’Ivoire and the Democratic Republic of Congo’s clash, with the host nation winning the title 11 times.
However, Côte d’Ivoire’s qualification presents a significant opportunity to join this elite list.
Côte d’Ivoire Aims for Third Nations Cup Title
Côte d’Ivoire seeks to add a third title to their previous victories in 1992 and 2015 as they face Nigeria in the final.
Nigeria, aiming for their fourth title, previously clinched the trophy in 1980, 1994, and 2013.
However, they have suffered defeats in four final appearances, losing once to the host nation, Algeria, in 1990, and thrice to Cameroon in 1984, 1988, and 2000.
